By Nyesom Wike, has refuted claims that he collapsed due to ill health, dismissing the rumours as a diversionary tactic to shift public attention from pressing national issues.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Wike described the reports as baseless, insisting that he was in good health.
“I don’t want to give credence to those spreading rumours. First of all, I am a human being, not goods that will collapse. If there was a health issue, it is a human being that would collapse. Fortunately, I did not collapse, and I have shown no signs of any health problems,” he stated.
The minister linked the rumours to recent political events in Rivers State, alleging that they were an attempt to divert attention from revelations about sabotage of public assets.
“The former Head of Service of Rivers State came forward to inform the public about a plot to bomb the House of Assembly complex and attack national assets. To divert attention from that, they created rumours that I had collapsed and was flown overseas,” he explained.
Wike also pointed to his public appearances during Sallah celebrations as evidence that the rumours were false.
“The day Mr President celebrated his birthday, I was there. The next day, I led Abuja residents in the Sallah homage, and suddenly, all those stories disappeared. It’s all politics.”
Reaffirming his commitment to his duties, Wike said such distractions would not affect his work.
“We have thick skins; these things don’t bother us. We are not distracted; we are focused on our jobs.”
He also thanked Nigerians for their concern but urged people to be mindful of their wishes toward others.
“I thank Nigerians for their concerns. People should not wish their fellow human beings such things. We all know that one day, we will die—nobody will remain in this world forever—but only God knows the day.”
In a final remark, Wike dismissed those behind the rumours, stating, “I am healthier than most of them. I can assure you that I will write their condolence letter.”
